The Mitsubishi eK X Space: Fuel Efficiency and Electric Range

The Mitsubishi eK X Space: Fuel Efficiency and Electric Range

The Mitsubishi eK X Space is a compact kei car that offers impressive fuel efficiency and, in its electric variant, a practical electric range for urban driving. Let’s take an in-depth look at the fuel tank capacity, fuel efficiency, electric range, and overall efficiency of this popular Japanese mini-vehicle.

Discover the Mitsubishi eK X Space: a game-changing kei car that combines remarkable fuel efficiency with an impressive electric range! Uncover how this compact vehicle achieves up to 30 km/L on highways and offers a practical 180 km range in its electric variant. Dive into the innovative features that make it a top choice for urban driving and see how it stacks up against competitors. Don’t miss out on the future of eco-friendly driving—read more below!

Fuel Tank Capacity

The Mitsubishi eK X Space comes equipped with a 27 liter fuel tank. This compact fuel tank size is typical for kei cars, which are designed to be small and lightweight. While 27 liters may seem small compared to larger vehicles, it’s more than sufficient for the eK X Space’s efficient engine and intended use as a city car.

Fuel Efficiency

The gasoline-powered eK X Space boasts impressive fuel economy figures:

• City driving: 24 km/L
• Highway driving: 30 km/L
• Combined fuel economy (WLTC mode): 20.9 km/L

These figures translate to approximately:

• City: 56.5 mpg
• Highway: 70.6 mpg
• Combined: 49.2 mpg

The eK X Space achieves this excellent fuel efficiency through its lightweight design, aerodynamic body, and efficient 660cc engine. The vehicle’s small size and low power output contribute significantly to its ability to sip fuel so conservatively.

Electric Range and Efficiency: eK X EV

The all-electric variant of the eK X series, known as the eK X EV, offers a practical electric range for urban drivers:

• Full Charge Capacity: 20 kWh lithium-ion battery
• Official Range (WLTC mode): 180 km (approximately 112 miles)
• Range per kWh: 9 km/kWh (5.6 miles/kWh) based on the official figures

However, real-world testing has shown that the actual range may be lower:

• Observed Energy Consumption: 16.25 kWh/100km
• Estimated Real-World Range: 123 km (approximately 76 miles)

This discrepancy between official and real-world figures is not uncommon in electric vehicles, as actual range can be affected by factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and use of climate control.

Efficiency Across Variants and Generations

The eK X Space is part of the larger eK series, which has seen several generations and variants. Let’s compare the efficiency across these different models:

As we can see, the efficiency of the eK series has improved over time, with the latest eK X Space offering better fuel economy than its predecessors. The introduction of the all-electric eK X EV marks a significant step forward in the lineup’s overall efficiency.

Factors Contributing to Efficiency

Several factors contribute to the impressive efficiency of the Mitsubishi eK X Space:

• Lightweight Construction: The eK X Space has a kerb weight of just 870 kg (1,918 lbs), which reduces the energy required to move the vehicle.
• Aerodynamic Design: Despite its boxy appearance, the eK X Space is designed to minimize air resistance.
• Efficient Engine: The 660cc engine is optimized for fuel efficiency while still providing adequate power for urban driving.
• CVT Transmission: The Continuously Variable Transmission helps maintain optimal engine speed for efficiency.
• Start-Stop System: This feature automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, reducing fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic.

Charging the eK X EV

For the all-electric eK X EV, charging times are an important consideration:

• Regular Charging (AC200V/14.5A): Approximately 8 hours for a full charge
• Quick Charging: Approximately 40 minutes to reach 80% charge

The vehicle is equipped with both regular and quick charging ports, allowing for flexibility in charging options. The quick charging capability is particularly useful for extending the vehicle’s range on longer trips.

Efficiency Features of the eK X EV

The electric variant of the eK X series incorporates several features to maximize its efficiency:

• Regenerative Braking: This system recaptures energy during deceleration and braking, feeding it back into the battery.
• Multiple Drive Modes: The eK X EV offers Normal, Eco, and Sport modes, allowing drivers to prioritize efficiency or performance as needed.
• One-Pedal Driving: In its highest regeneration setting, the eK X EV can be driven primarily using just the accelerator pedal, maximizing energy recovery.
• Battery Temperature Management: A cooling system using air conditioner refrigerant helps maintain optimal battery temperature, preserving efficiency even after repeated high-speed driving and quick charging.

Comparing eK X Space to Competitors

While the eK X Space and eK X EV are currently only available in Japan, it’s interesting to compare their efficiency to similar vehicles in the global market:

While the gasoline-powered eK X Space holds its own against its kei car competitors, the eK X EV’s range is notably shorter than larger electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf. However, it’s important to remember that the eK X EV is designed primarily for urban use, where its compact size and lower price point may be more valuable to consumers than extended range.

Environmental Impact

The high efficiency of the eK X Space and the zero-emissions operation of the eK X EV contribute to a reduced environmental impact:

• The gasoline eK X Space’s low fuel consumption results in lower CO2 emissions compared to larger, less efficient vehicles.
• The eK X EV produces zero tailpipe emissions, though its overall environmental impact depends on the source of electricity used for charging.
• Both variants’ small size and lightweight construction mean fewer resources are required for their manufacture compared to larger vehicles.

Future Developments

As Mitsubishi continues to develop its eK series, we can expect to see further improvements in efficiency:

• Advanced materials and construction techniques could further reduce vehicle weight, improving both fuel efficiency and electric range.
• Improvements in battery technology could increase the range of future electric eK models without increasing vehicle size or weight.
• The introduction of hybrid powertrains to the eK series could offer a middle ground between the gasoline and all-electric variants, potentially providing even better fuel efficiency for those not ready to go fully electric.

Did You Know?

Here are some interesting facts about the Mitsubishi eK X Space and its efficiency:

• The “eK” in the vehicle’s name stands for “excellent keijidōsha” (excellent kei car).
• Despite its small size, the eK X Space can seat up to 4 people comfortably.
• The eK X EV’s motor produces 195 Nm of torque, which is almost twice that of the gasoline turbo model, providing zippy acceleration in city driving.
• The eK X EV can be used as a mobile power source during emergencies, thanks to its ability to supply power to external devices.
• The gasoline eK X Space has a maximum speed of 180 km/h (112 mph), though this speed is rarely achievable or legal on Japanese roads.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi eK X Space and its electric counterpart, the eK X EV, represent impressive achievements in efficiency for their class. While the gasoline variant offers excellent fuel economy, the electric version provides a practical range for urban driving with zero tailpipe emissions.

However, it’s important to note that these vehicles are currently designed for and sold primarily in the Japanese market, where their compact size and efficiency are particularly valued. Their success in other markets would depend on factors such as local driving conditions, consumer preferences, and regulatory environments.

As the automotive industry continues to push for greater efficiency and reduced emissions, vehicles like the eK X Space and eK X EV serve as excellent examples of what can be achieved in the compact car segment. Whether you’re looking at the fuel efficiency of the gasoline model or the electric range of the EV variant, the eK X series demonstrates Mitsubishi’s commitment to creating vehicles that are both practical and environmentally conscious.